The police have refused to renew my shotgun certificate on the grounds that I pose a threat to public safety or the peace, citing my domestic circumstances, and the fact that I had a shotgun in the boot of my car when the FEO visited - I was about to…
Gun laws
Have a query about UK gun laws? Wondering how to get your shotgun licence or firearms certificate? How to store your gun and how to transport it? What happens if you have been in ill-health?
Here are the answers to these questions and many more concerning gun ownership.
Frequent updates
The laws on gun ownership change frequently, with debates by MPs on the subjects regularly in the news. We keep you updated with what is going on here, with all you need to know as a responsible and safe shooter.
Our experts have written many different articles on gun law, with regular updates when legislation changes. Browse through the topics here to find the answers you are looking for. If you have a question on a particular aspect of gun law then get in touch by e mailing us at shootinguk@timeinc.com and we will do what we can to help.
You might also like to visit our general legal section, which covers a variety of issues.
Should I tell the police about my gun?
Q: My shotgun has to go back for some work under warranty. The registered firearms dealer (RFD) I bought it from is sending a courier to my house to pick it up. Do I have to tell the police that the gun won’t be in my possession for a bit?…
Can I get a shotgun certificate after having a stroke?
Several years ago I had a stroke but I have made a pretty good recovery.
When I am out shooting should I always carry my certificate with me?
Is it law that we should carry our shotgun/firearm certificates with us every time we go out with the gun?
Will I lose my shotgun certificate because I’ve had a formal police caution?
Shotgun licence: Two weeks ago I was arrested and given a formal caution for an offence I did not commit.
Moving house and your gun certificates – what you need to know
It is a criminal offence not to obey the conditions on your firearm or shotgun certificate. One of which particularly concerns moving house. Condition 3 on every firearm and shotgun certificate says: “The holder of this certificate must, without undue delay, inform the chief officer of police by whom the…
Can I bring a gun over from the USA on my shotgun licence?
I am a relatively new shotgun licence holder and shoot clays. I get on okay with my Browning but I have a shotgun at my brother’s house in the USA that I shoot really well with.
Gun lending rules
Q: When a person lends a shotgun to a non-certificate holder on a private shoot, must the gun be on their certificate? Loans of shotguns and gun lending on private premises is now regulated by the Policing and Crime Act 2017. Section 130 of the act merely states: “A person…
Help! How can I get my guns back from the police?
How can I get my guns back from the police? Last year, the relationship with my longterm partner ended, although not very amicably. Some days later, I received a visit from the firearms department at 9.15 in the evening.
Can the council forbid me from owning a gun?
My council has brought in a tenancy rule that prohibits anyone owning and storing a gun in any of its properties. Can they enforce this legally?
How do I add guns to a firearms certificate?
Q: I have held a shotgun certificate for 40 years, initially for roughshooting, but in recent years, mainly for skeet and DTL. Two years ago I decided that I would like to add FAC to my shooting disciplines and joined my local shooting club as an airgun member, being added to…
Will legal trouble stop my shotgun certificate application?
I would like to apply for a shotgun certificate, but I have a couple of recent cautions. One is from five years ago for criminal damage to my ex-wife's car and another is for harassment 15 months ago.
What should I do about shotgun storage while I’m away?
I intend to take a long holiday away from home and wonder what obligations I am under in respect of storage of my shotguns while I am away?
How many shotguns can I legally hold on my shotgun certificate?
I currently have two 12-bore shotguns on my shotgun certificate. Can you tell me how many shotguns I can legally hold? Also, how much smokeless powder can I store for reloading?
Do I need to keep my guns at home for a shotgun licence?
Shotgun licence: If I apply for a shotgun certificate do the guns have to be kept at my home address?
Can I store my guns in the attic?
Q: I am applying for a firearms certificate so that I can acquire a .243 calibre rifle for stalking. I understand that I must obtain a gun cabinet, which I am considering installing in my attic. Would this be a suitable location? A: While an attic may appear to be…
Can a local registered firearms dealer ‘confiscate’ an air rifle?
Q: I have just taken my air rifle into my local registered firearms dealer (RFD) for some work. While he had it, he tested it over a chronoscope and said that with a heavy pellet it produced 12.4ft/lb of energy y and because of that he is not allowed to give…
How do we list guns as ‘shared’ on our shotgun licences?
My wife and I share a gun cabinet and I’ve been told my shotguns should appear as 'shared' on my wife’s shotgun licence and hers shown similarly on mine.
What’s the law on inheriting a shotgun?
Some months after my father passed away the police told my mother that because his shotgun certificate had lapsed she should hand his gun to the local gun shop.
Will I have problems obtaining a firearms certificate?
I am soon to retire and would like to apply for a firearms certificate to take up shooting with a .17HMR for both targets and vermin.